My most treasured discovery, however, came via A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. To this day, A Wrinkle in Time is one of my favorite books (along with its lovely sequels). I identified so strongly with the wallflower heroine, Meg Murry, with her wild hair, glasses, and braces. I shared her sense of not being like the other girls in my class and I adored my introduction to science fiction. (The reason I ended up writing science fiction was because I wanted more like this, more character driven and accessible to women.) But it took Ms. L’Engle while to find a publisher, too and I took heart from her struggle. She inspired me to keep writing and keep believing in myself.
I’ve watched all adaptations of this book and I’ve been really vocal about my love for A Wrinkle in Time, so much that when the anniversary edition was released, the editor in charge sent me an email asking if I wanted a copy. (Of course I did!) I think every young girl should read this book because it teaches that every girl can be a heroine. Every girl can lead the team and save the ones she loves. Just thinking about this book and how much it means to me has me tearing up, even now.
If you haven’t seen the most recent film, ignore the critics. It’s a beautiful, breathtaking rendition, and it’s glorious to see Meg as a young Black girl. I loved everything about the movie and I hope you’ll check it out and maybe re-read the book too! What are your childhood faves?